Maple News reports that IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language Express Entry draw held on April 29, 2026. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 400 and must have created an Express Entry profile by 20:13 UTC on April 7, 2026.
This draw marks the fifth French-language proficiency selection of 2026 and the 26th Express Entry draw of the year. While French-language draws occur less frequently, they have produced a sizable share of ITAs, now second only to the Canadian Experience Class in total ITAs issued this year.
IRCC has signaled a continued focus on in-Canada candidates, with many invitations tied to provincial nominations and Canadian work experience. The French-language category is contributing a substantial portion of ITAs in 2026, reflecting broader efforts to bolster regional and bilingual representation within the Express Entry system.
A broader look at 2026 draw activity shows a diversified mix: nine Provincial Nominee Program draws, eight Canadian Experience Class draws, five French-language proficiency draws, and one draw each for physicians with Canadian work experience, healthcare and social services workers, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and trades.
To date in 2026, IRCC has issued 71,627 ITAs across all Express Entry draw types: Canadian Experience Class 34,250; French-language proficiency 26,000; healthcare and social services 4,000; Provincial Nominee Program 3,736; trades 3,000; physicians with Canadian work experience 391; senior managers with Canadian work experience 250.